Mariners Prospect No. 16: Stefen Romero

Stefen Romero, UTIL, Clinton Lumberkings (A, 21.6 years old on average in 2011)

6-3, 225 lbs, 23 years old

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Acquired: 2010 Amateur Draft (12th round)

ETA: 2014

For all of the criticism that Jack Zduriencik has faced about his lack of urgency to acquire offensive talent, he’s sure found some good offensive prospects in the draft. Romero isn’t too much different than Steven Proscia. He plays third base, and is supposed to be able to play some outfield also. He played 16 games in left field last year, and one in right field. Romero is coming off of a broken arm, which stopped him from playing professionally in 2010, and that relegated him mostly to second base (because of the short throw to first) in 2011. Romero posted an isolated power of .183, with a sustainable .297 BABIP in A ball, and hit 16 home runs, despite playing his home games in a park that dampens righty home runs by 14 percent. His strikeouts were better than average, but his walks were below average for the Midwest league, where Romero was essentially age-appropriate, but probably facing more unique circumstances than most of his peers, having missed the opportunity to play pro ball in 2010. The big concern with Romero is his defensive position. He probably can’t afford to add much more weight—including muscle—before he becomes a first baseman, or a corner outfielder, but if he’s able to stick at third base (where he played before his injury) he’s got a shot to be in the mix for the position in the future.